06 02 26 Council Meeting

The City of Statesboro, Georgia held a council meeting on June 2, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. A key highlight was the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement between the city and the U.S. Army, establishing a partnership to provide job opportunities for Georgia Army National Guard soldiers within the city. The council also conducted a public hearing on the proposed FY 2027 budget, which featured a 5% overall increase, no new personnel additions, and a recommended 2% employee pay adjustment. The budget addressed funding shifts due to the dissolution of the county fire district, with increased transfers from the general fund to the fire fund and no proposed increases in utility rates. Capital projects included the construction of Fire Station 3, funded by special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenues. Additionally, the council approved a resolution to apply for a $631,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to update firefighter air packs. Another significant agenda item was the second reading and public hearing on an ordinance to amend zoning codes to regulate technological facilities, including data centers, allowing the city to control their development and environmental impact. Public comments reflected community concerns about data center impacts on water and energy resources. The meeting also addressed amendments to intergovernmental agreements related to sales tax distribution and discussed employee health insurance cost adjustments. The city manager announced his intention to retire effective January 1, 2027, allowing for an orderly leadership transition. Overall, the meeting focused on fiscal planning, infrastructure development, public safety funding, and regulatory measures affecting future procurement and development activities in Statesboro.